The research examined the well-being of citizens in over 20 countries, focusing on six key areas such as health, social relationships, and financial stability.
Professor Anna Zalewska of the SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities told Polish Radio 24 that Poland’s results on subjective well-being and life satisfaction exceeded expectations.
She noted that previous findings – especially around 2022 and 2023 after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – had indicated a global decline in happiness. However, the recent study suggests a gradual recovery.
Zalewska added that historically, Polish optimism has risen steadily since the late 1990s, especially after Poland joined NATO. Even during the 2009 global financial crisis, Poland’s well-being levels ranked higher than many European peers. She credits a resilient national mindset but highlighted lower Polish scores for autonomy and freedom amid ongoing political disputes.
The Harvard-Gallup initiative – formally the Global Flourishing Study – is designed for long-term, repeated surveys to deepen understanding of how people worldwide achieve fulfilling lives, regardless of cultural or economic conditions.
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Source: Polskie Radio 24